2 Chronicles 15:7 AMP
[7] But as for you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.”
There is always a personal encounter that is fundamental to the discovery and fulfillment of God's purpose for my life. It has never been about the crowd, or a general application to everyone at the same time; the assignment may be general, and there could be many that have been called and gifted to be a part of and contribute into it, but ultimately, it is a personal relationship that will define the public manifestation and impact. Judah, at the time of the verse above, was in trouble as a result of rebellion and disobedience to God. There had been several warnings by God but they would not listen and so God handed them over to enemies who troubled them a great deal. As it was then, so is it now. The standards of God have not been lowered for anyone, and what God called sin in the days of king Asa is still sin in our days, and no amount of education, enlightenment or earnings can change the standard.
For as many as would seek to uphold God's standards, the verse today is for you. Please note again that it is first and foremost a very personal walk with God. In the midst of the unrighteousness and evil going on in Judah at the time, God found a man like Asa to make king, and encouraged him to stay true to Him. The message at the start was clear: you cannot afford to be like every other person around you. Being with the majority does not make you right; being popular does not mean you have been accepted by God. Human applause does not always equate to divine approval. No matter what is going on around you, you have a path to choose. No matter how hard things get, there is an expectation from God for you. No matter what has gone before, or whether someone seemingly got away with evil, do not concern yourself with another man's walk; focus on your own. Be sure you are where God says you should be, and doing what He has commanded you to do.
He encouraged Asa to be strong, because He knew the challenges that were coming. If things were destined to be easy all through life, the message today would be of no use. In the face of pressure and worldly pleasures, I have to take a stand for what is Godly and right, not losing courage or giving in to the dictates of the world. I must remember that there is an end to every pursuit on this side of eternity, and consequences to sort out for every activity under heaven. It does not matter what I tell myself, or how hard I try and convince myself that my motives were good; I deal with a God of absolute knowledge, power and authority who cannot be deceived by the outward. He sees the heart and its hidden motives, and He deals according to Truth, not man's perceptions. I better believe that there is reward for my walk and work; God is not the One to owe anyone anyting. What are you working for? What am I working for? God's time of favour is here.
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